Daisy’s story

This World Cancer Day, on Sunday 4th February, Morrisons wants to help CLIC Sargent give more families access to their services. Here’s Daisy’s story - just one of the reasons why ‘banding together’ is so important for young people with cancer…

Daisy, 13, was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma in November 2016. CLIC Sargent supported Daisy and her family through it all - and they are now supporting our World Cancer Day campaign.

Daisy’s mum, Jules Pye, said: “When we were told it was cancer it was just complete and utter disbelief. It was like I’d been punched so hard in the belly that you’re winded. A million thoughts come through your mind. It didn’t hit me fully until the next day, I had to be really strong for Daisy but I was dying inside.”

Following the shock diagnosis, Daisy underwent several rounds of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and is currently recovering from high dose chemotherapy and an autologous stem cell transplant. This gruelling treatment caused physical, as well as emotional side effects for the teenager, such as losing her hair and mobility issues.

Hidden Costs research from CLIC Sargent showed that 79% of young people felt cancer had a serious impact on their emotional wellbeing, 70% experienced depression during their cancer treatment and 83% of young people experienced loneliness during their cancer treatment.

During her cancer treatment, Daisy and her family were supported by Lucy, a CLIC Sargent Social Worker, who provides practical, emotional and financial support.

“We met Lucy in our first week in hospital. I think I’d heard of CLIC Sargent before but didn’t know what they do. She really listened to our story and explained what she does and all the things she could help with. Lucy was like a little angel that had been dropped in Daisy’s room when we were in a world of pain and negativity, like rabbits caught in the headlights.

She talked about positive things and what CLIC Sargent can do to help. Helping us get a blue badge, filling out forms, organising trips out when Daisy wasn’t feeling great - we had no idea all these things were available. Seeing Lucy was something to look forward to, she is like a light in a dark room.”

Daisy also struck up a strong friendship with Emmie, 18, who was receiving treatment for cancer at the same time.

“We met Emmie when Daisy was told she was going through Radiotherapy, which is a terrifying prospect for a young girl.

Emmie was this ball of energy and positivity. She took Daisy under her wing like a big sister, she explained everything to her and gave her advice for dealing with treatment. She really genuinely cares about her so we will feel very blessed that they met.”

Now Daisy and her family are supporting CLIC Sargent’s World Cancer Day campaign where supporters can get their own ‘Band Against Cancer’ wristband for a suggested £2 donation, to raise vital funds and awareness.

Daisy said: “It feels great to be a part of this campaign and wear my Band Against Cancer wristband because people like Lucy, CLIC Sargent and Emmie ‘banded together’ for me. Donating and getting a band is so important to make sure CLIC Sargent can help more families like mine.”